Ty of} 2 — Sunday, Jume 21, 1998 — North Shore News Koiyk issue dra Martin Millerchip News Reporter 2 i er@nsnews.com REACTION to news of a municipal environ- mental protection man- ager’s prablems with his own environmental per- mits is sharply divided. As reported in the June 17 News, North — Vancouver District enviroruaental manger Mel Konk has been under investigation for several weeks following a string of com- plaints lodged with the munic- ipality by Dollarton Highway resident Brock Davidson. While many of Davidson’s allegations have not been proved, a review of Kotyk’s handling of development work on his indian Arm lot led dis- trict. director of corporate affairs Dave Stewart to report to council that Kotyk had exer- cistd- questionable judgment by allowing work on his prop- erty before obtaining required permits. .. Said Stewart: “A mere rep- rimand would likely not send an appropriate message to other staff nor would it be sup- ported by ‘the community at large, some of whom are cur- rently being prosecuted for failing to: follow appropriate environmental procedures.” An in-camera meeting of xed NV react coundi Monday resuhed ta a 4-1 vore directing: staff to take action on Kortvk. Couns. Pac Afunroe and Lisa Mun had earlier walked out of the meeting while only Coun. fanice Harns felr no action wis warranted, Srewart said Friday: “The district has caken action with respect to the matter but 1am not able to provide further information at this came.” Stewart said Kotyk was in the municipal hall Friday and that) discussions as to his employment were ongoing. Stewart was asked if Kotyk would be at work on Monday and responded that “the hall would probably be able to contact him.” . Stewart then stated: “Mr. Koryk’s employment has not been terminated as a direct result of the investigation.” Muri told the News thar Kotyk’s loss to the district would be unfortunate. “He was a great asset to the District of North Vancouver and put us on the map envi- ronmentally.” Coun. Ernie Crist was less sorry. “Kotyk occupied a position of trust. He showed very poor judgment all along and given a chance to explain he showed no remorse or acceptance of his actions. Environmental action in the district is eMremely sensitive with 2 number of law suits pending.” In a woitten respamse te Stewart's report, Kotvk main: tains he acted property in che development of ls property, He nestes he has been s iwcted to added pern requirements and restrictive covenants that were not required of previous appli- vants, cost bint an addizion- ai $2,066. Kotyk questions why so much time and money was spent investigating him based on the allegations of “a man with a grudge.” Davidson was prosecuted several years ago by Kotyk for doing work in a restricted covenant area, Kotyk was responsible for the creation of a cutting-edge environmental —_ protection bylaw in the diserict thar has won awards and has frequently been used for reference by other B.C. municipalities. But Liberal MLA Jeresny Dalton, an Edgemont resi- dent, says the district's stream protection regulations are too stringent. Dalton, who opposed a recent district initiative forbid- ding the cutting of trees on rivate property, said he was appy to see Kotyk go. . “As a district taxpayer he never did anything for me except irritate me.” ==N0 HASSLE LEASE 1998 Volkswagen Golf » Air Conditioning & Stereo included! Lease for “$150 don payment 24 months. Plus opplicable t toxes. Total amount due on signing $2355. 76 : Vehicle may not be exactly as shown. NEWS photo Mike Wakefield Mural magic YOUTH employed in the Youth Services Canada project, Sufety on Our Streets, recently painted a murai on a onsdaie elementary school wall to delight passers- by. Here, Kelsey Torck added some finishing touches. WV rental stock at risk From page 1 change the provincial rules and preserve what is le& of West Vancouver’s rental housing market. The Pink Palace was built in 1966 and is one of West Vancouver’s most famous water- front landmarks. As such, it has a “heritage two” designation. Bur, according to Lachman, the designation offers the building no real protection. Lachman said his property assessments have been increasing steadily over the last six years, which is due in part to improvements in the surrounding neighborhood. The higher the assessed value of Lachman’s property, the high- cr his taxes and the greater the pressure to raise rents to cover those increased costs. Sager and Lachman want the province to give demelition approval authority to munici- pal governments, which would force develop-. ers to come before municipal councils before: © tearing down buildings like the Pink Palace. Sager and Lachman are appealing the assess- - ment rules and hope to change the provincial. rules regarding the “highest and best use”. clause. They want property assessed to reflect its value as rental property and its overall valuc to the community. While Lachman claims to have: no current plans to sell the Palace, he wants to ensure that furure assessments will not force him down thar path, ~